My Journey into Energy Work (Pt.1)

Friday, April 1, 2011

As most of you will recall, about two weeks ago, I shared a post on my passion for the theater. I ended the post by telling you that I took a break to investigate other interests in life, but didn’t share what those interests were.

Today, I would like to elaborate more on where my life has taken me during my hiatus from the theater.

One evening during a performance, I remember standing onstage waiting for my cue to start singing, when I heard a voice inside my heart clearly say, “After this show closes, you’re going to take a long break from the theater to explore a different path. You‘ve accomplished what was needed from the theater for now.”

I was at a point in my career where I had peaked. I had done comedy, drama, and musicals. I had challenged myself to portray diverse characters. Characters I thought I would never be able to play because they were so far removed from myself. I even got the opportunity to do something I had always wanted to do - portray a woman.

Up until that break, I had worked as an actor for nine years straight. I did about two or three shows a year, plus worked a full time job. My life was busy and full, yet I could tell it was time to do some self-exploration.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had a ravenous appetite for learning about natural health and alternative healing methods. Even during my career as an actor, you would always find a book or two in my dressing room that pertained to things such as, yoga, vitamins and herbs, massage, reflexology, and various forms of energy work.

I truly believe there are many natural things we can do to assist ourselves in not only maintaining health, but also supporting the healing process whenever we become ill.

Being a stage actor takes a tremendous amount of energy to perform six nights a week, and sometime two performances on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Hence, it is of the utmost importance to stay physically strong and mentally sharp, so that you’re ready to get out there and give it your all. It’s a lot like being an athlete.

Performing onstage is all about energy, so I’m not at all surprised where my journey took me.

Back in 1997, I began my training in becoming a Reiki (Ray-Key) energy practitioner. It would take me far too long to explain everything that Reiki encompasses, so I will try to explain it in simple terms.

Imagine of yourself as a lamp.

Then imagine yourself plugging into an electrical wall socket.

What happens?

As the juice flows, you turn ON.

THAT’S Reiki.

Reiki is a process by which you plug into Universal energy (life-force juice), and then allow it to heal you in many ways.

It is not attached to any dogma, nor do you even have to believe in it for it to be effective. You just need to be open to it.

It can be used to not only heal the body, but the mind and spirit as well.

When you become a Reiki practitioner, you allow yourself to be a channel through which Universal energy flows to assist others. It is a hands-on therapy in which the client lies on a massage table, while the practitioner gently place his or her hands on various parts of the body; recharging and balancing their energy. Reiki does the work, therefore the practitioner does not have to consciously direct the energy….it just flows to wherever it’s needed. Nor, is the practitioner depleted of their own energy. In fact, while sharing a Reiki treatment, the practitioner as well as the client receives its benefits.

Not only can Reiki be used to treat others, but it can also be used to self-treat. I will often self-treat myself daily because it truly helps on so many levels.

I’ve seen it do some AMAZING things.

After a Reiki session, you may feel very relaxed, immensely energized, or clear-minded. You feel more connected to your inner-self.

Eventually what Reiki does, is maintains an overall balanced life.

Body, mind and spirit.

Reiki is currently being respected and used in many hospitals in conjunction with traditional medicine.

One of the most important things I’ve learned from Reiki, is that true healing comes from inside. There may be times when a physical illness cannot be healed. However, through Reiki, we can heal how we live with it.

Reiki is a very loving energy, therefore it always supports us in loving ways.

48 comments

This practice of Reiki sounds so wonderful. I have no personal experience with this at all.

You seemed to be on the fast track during these years and its very normal that you had to stop at one point and tune into your inner self. This happens to a lot of people and it is probably like a "life preserver" thrown out. Because we can't keep up the thread mill.

I can imagine the good that you do by sharing your healing energy. Beautiful gesture to volunteer your services to HIV postive people.

Hugs are very healing, so I will send you my good energy (((((((((( Ronnie))))))))

...This has definitely sparked my interest. I was involved in a car accident years ago and sought a massage therapist to help with the pain and the depression that soon followed and she massaged but then at the end of the session she did this 'thing' where she would just place her hands on different parts of my body and strangely it felt very warm and soothing when she did this. After time I felt better and I eventually stopped going only to seek her out again later and sadly found out she was involved in a bad accident herself and no long practicing.

...I will be interested in this subject as I too believe in the power of healing thru natural methods, so you have my full undivided attention dear Ron! :o)

I know a lot of 'ailments' are controlled, eased or even healed by the mind. I practiced yoga in my early days, Though I can't do the exercises I still adapt some of the relaxation elements to alleviate worry and pain. I had a few sessions with an holistic therapist but she did more harm than good and I had to give up. I would love to try Reiki. I've heard about it but not come across it in my walk of life. Thank you, Ron, not only did I enjoy this post but you have given me room for thought. I shall investigate forthwith. Seriously. Have a wonderful weekend.

Apologies if you received this comment before... I'm having blogger trouble. Could Reiki assist with it?

Yes, Reiki came into my life at exactly the right time. And if you remember from my post a few years ago, after I visited Japan and had that 'experience', it was soon afterward that I became a Reiki practitioner.

What a wonderful post you have today. It is wonderful to have yet another avenue for the healing energy of Reiki to emerge onto the scene. I have been involved in energy therapy and Reiki for over 20 years. You are correct in your description and you explanation of Reiki.

When you try to incoporate the five principles of Reiki into your daily life then the healing and love that emanates from you is what causes comfort and peace to another.

Just for Today Do Not WorryJust for Today Do Not Get AngryJust for Today Work HonestJust for Today Honor All PeopleJust for Today Be Grateful

Just for Today.

I have been blessed in this journey and now with the advent of the spiritual revolution I feel like a pioneer it the world of energy.

To bring a smile to a face, a peace to the soul and the light of love to a heart is what we do. When what we offer is accepted by another and when it is used in symphony with the treatment of an allopathic doctor, or a therapist or clergy then body has a chance to incoporate all methods to enable a healing. We heal ourselves with the help and unconditonal love of those who are in our lives.

Ron, May the light of love continue to be your guide on path. May the the divine in me honor the divine in you. I bow to you my friend.

It's amazing how Reiki finds us isn't it Ron? I had never heard of Reiki but it made itself known to me in a roundabout way and then there was no turning back, as the ball just kept rolling and getting bigger, like a snowball, until I found myself being attuned! It's been part of my life now for 8 years and I love it. I too have experienced some amazing things through Reiki.

"This is nothing I've experienced directly. But it's something I've witnessed. And undoubtedly something I could stand to experience."

So you've witnessed Reiki? Yaaaaaaaaaay, so you're familiar with it!

Reiki is something I think we ALL can stand to experience and benefit from. The first time I experienced it, I knew I wanted to be practitioner.

"I'll wait for part two. Rather impatiently, but I'll wait."

HA! After I started writing this, I could see that I really needed to split it into two parts because I didn't want it to be too long. I'll be posting the rest on Monday. Thanks for your patience, dear lady.

"she did this 'thing' where she would just place her hands on different parts of my body and strangely it felt very warm and soothing when she did this.

Yup....I bet she was sharing Reik! A lot of massage therapists will incorporate it into their sessions. I had a great massage therapist in Florida who would do the same thing at the end of her massage.

The amazing thing about Reiki, is that it appears to be very subtle, yet the effects are VERY potent!

"I too believe in the power of healing thru natural methods."

I had a 'feeling' you did. And also have a feeling you are a natural healer!

Always a delight to read your comments, dear lady. Thank you for being here!

"Though I can't do the exercises I still adapt some of the relaxation elements to alleviate worry and pain."

You GO, Val!!!

I too practice yoga (but not as much as I should), yet whenever I do...I feel faaaaaaaaaabulous!

"I would love to try Reiki. I've heard about it but not come across it in my walk of life."

From what I understand, the UK (as well as most of Europe) is VERY open to things such as Reiki and alternative healing methods. In fact, I'm pretty sure in the UK includes it within their insurance.

"Apologies if you received this comment before... I'm having blogger trouble. Could Reiki assist with it?"

HA! Hey....I bet Reiki COULD assist!

I too have been having A LOT of trouble with Blogger. It's freaking out and changing the formatting in my post editor. I have to change practically ALL the HTML code whenever I post. It's taking me an HOUR to post - ugh!

"I had never heard of Reiki but it made itself known to me in a roundabout way and then there was no turning back, as the ball just kept rolling and getting bigger, like a snowball, until I found myself being attuned! It's been part of my life now for 8 years and I love it. I too have experienced some amazing things through Reiki."

Thank you SO MUCH for sharing that. Isn't it something how once Reiki makes itself known, it becomes a "snowball effect?"

Honestly, if it weren't for Reiki I'd be lost.

Much thanks for stopping by and sharing your experience with Reiki. I so appreciate it, m'dear!

"When what we offer is accepted by another and when it is used in symphony with the treatment of an allopathic doctor, or a therapist or clergy then body has a chance to incoporate all methods to enable a healing. We heal ourselves with the help and unconditonal love of those who are in our lives."

I couldn't have expressed that ANY better, Dave!

THANK YOU!!!!!

"I have been blessed in this journey."

Meeeeeeeeeeee too!

"Ron, May the light of love continue to be your guide on path. May the the divine in me honor the divine in you. I bow to you my friend."

Ohhhhh nooooo.... I didn't save my LONG comment and I think Blogger is having glitches. I got an error type notice when I went to post the comment. Did it come thru, by chance?? Oh well, if not, I'll write again later.....

For years after becoming a Reiki practitioner, I tried desperately to find a way to explain Reiki to someone who might not be familiar with it. Then, one day, I was plugging a lamp into a wall socket, and thought....THAT'S IT!

"Reiki also found me in a way I never expected considering that I had heard the word but had no idea what it was."

Isn't it freakin' amazing how people will always say, "Reiki found me."

Ron - When my mother was sick, a Reiki master would come to my parents' house and treat her. Her name was LeeLee. When LeeLee performed Reiki, my mom's entire body relaxed. LeeLee told us that my mom had a strong energy and would live a long time, even though she was very ill - and my mom did - for 2 more years.

My mom benefited from it so much that LeeLee instructed my father and passed the energy. My dad would then do Reiki on my mom, especially when she was having trouble swallowing. It would relax her to the point that she would eat again.

Last fall, when my dad was in the hospital for cancer surgery, he performed Reiki on himself. He said all the machines started to beep and all the nurses and doctors rushed into the room, thinking he was in trouble because his vitals were so low. They asked him what happened and he said "I don't know," thinking that it would be too complicated to explain that Reiki did it.

Ron, I am a very touchy feely person so this fascinated me. I knew when I got read your post a few weeks ago that you were sending warmth and energy to my andmy family because I could feel it. I find this fascinating and can't wait to read Monday's post! I used to work with a chiropractor and I know a lot of what she and the massage therapists did touched on this.

I have not had Reiki done on me but think it sounds very interesting. I routinely go in for acupuncture. The woman who works on me is an expert in Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture and Tuina. She is Korean and actually specializes in animals. She has been doing it for 30 years and teaches at the University Vet school.Something like this practiced by a master is so powerful. She has been helping me with the pain caused by a bone spur in my neck along with the fatigue issues. It really is a gift.

"The woman who works on me is an expert in Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture and Tuina. She is Korean and actually specializes in animals. She has been doing it for 30 years and teaches at the University Vet school."

Oooooo....how wonderful! I think I remember you telling me one time, that this woman worked on your horses. I knew a woman in Florida who was a Reiki practitioner who specialized in treating horses. I watched her share a session once and it AMAZED me how receptive the horses were. I believe that animals are naturally in tuned to energy, therefore any type of energy work like Reiki is simply accepted.

"Something like this practiced by a master is so powerful. She has been helping me with the pain caused by a bone spur in my neck along with the fatigue issues. It really is a gift."

Yes, I believe that some people truly have a gift!

Thanks for stopping by and sharing on this post, my friend! You've added much!

So, you're telling me I could have a woman lie down on a table and let me touch her all over her body as a sort of "energy transfer" - and maybe even get paid to do this?! I do believe I have just found my true calling: Reiki practitioner.

Actually, a close friend of mine is very much into Reiki. She is convinced it helps her autistic son on a daily basis. That's pretty cool, if you ask me.

Very cool, and it does seem to me like a natural path for you to explore. Your nature is a curious, inquisitive one and even when you see a ghost, you are not frightened, but open to the underlying messages. You are such an awesome human Ron! At the cancer center where I work, integrative medicine is a big part of the total healing options available to all our patients. Yoga, meditation and dietary selections. I agree, it is an excellent excellent complement to the rigorous treatments our patients receive. I have heard many a doctor say that they have observed cancer tumors accelerate when patients live with a large amount of stress in their lives. Their goals as doctors is to optimize the effect of the treatments and one way for them to do that is to help their patients reduce their stress levels. Through integrative medicine techniques. How amazing is that!

Wow, you are full of surprises, Ron, and I am glad I "met" you. Your writing is always entertaining, and interesting, which suggests you have an open mind, which is wonderful. I think it's great you have tapped into this energy source. A friend of mine was involved in the practice, and she loved it. I'm looking forward to reading your next posts.

i have not heard of Reiki until now. is it a Japanese way of dealing with our inner balance? at first, from the photograph, i thought it was just massage, to loosen the tight muscle n stuff. but after reading, it sounds much more complicated than that! i like the sound of it, can't wait to read more about it from your following post!

Reiki therapy was rediscovered in Kyoto, Japan, and then brought back to the States many, many years ago. And the ironic thing about this, is that after I got back from living in Japan (and visiting Kyoto) for two months, I discovered it myself!

The Asian culture in general is very much open to alternative healing methods. It's we Americans that often have a hard time looking into such things. However, we're getting better!

Much thanks for stopping by, my friend! And thank you for sharing on this post!

I love this post Ron. Reiki is such a fabulous thing, and needs to be brought out of the closet, if you will. I think I have mentioned before that I am lucky to have had reiki and therapeutic touch come into my life. I think most people think of energy work as some kind of hocus pocus, but if you allow yourself the experience you will feel the effects.

I first experienced reiki a few months after my husband died. I became a member of Wellspring (a Cancer support centre) and was offered a series of reiki sessions. I was an absolute mess at the time, so was up for anything. I didn't know what it was about, but didn't really care and thought that if it could help, then I was in. Well, my first few sessions I just lied on the table and cried. Tears slid down my face and I didn't feel any better. What I know now though, is that my grief was of gargantuan proportions. While the sessions might have helped, it would have been equivalent to chipping an ice cube off of an ice burg. What I did like though was the allowing myself the time to just be still. I gave myself the gift of an hour to be with me and that was the best gift I could offer my broken soul. Many months and treatments (both reiki & therapeutic touch) passed and slowly I inched closer to feeling human. At some point, I took the plunge and got attuned myself. I also certified for my TT level 1. I use both on myself and the people and animals around me. When my cat died in December I sat for hours with him, offering him what I could. While he died, the treatments helped to ease his suffering.

Ok, this is becoming a blog post in itself. I look forward to reading part 2 tomorrow. thank you Ron for giving voice to a wonderful source of energy healing.Katherine

Reiki is VERY cool because it can be used for SO MANY things. Reiki is licensed under 'massage therapy' in NY, so you might find someone there who is a massage therapist, who is a Reiki practitioner as well.

Much thanks for stopping by, Rob! Always great to see you! Hope you had a super weekend!

"Reiki is such a fabulous thing, and needs to be brought out of the closet, if you will. I think most people think of energy work as some kind of hocus pocus, but if you allow yourself the experience you will feel the effects."

I soooooooooooo agree, my friend! I've shared about Reiki on my blog in the past, but never really shared about HOW I got into it.

Yes, I knew from what you had shared with me before, that you too were a Reiki practitioner.

"Well, my first few sessions I just lied on the table and cried......""

Yes....I did too! Not two minutes after he touched me, I sobbed like a baby. For me, it was a feeling of 'coming home' to something that was very familar to my heart.

I can only imagine what you must have gone through after your husband died, and I know that Reiki must have been such a comfort to your grieving soul. I think it's wonderful that you allowed yourself to be open to it.

"When my cat died in December I sat for hours with him, offering him what I could. While he died, the treatments helped to ease his suffering."

OMG....I did the same thing while my cat was dying. I sat there with him for hours and hours, sharing Reiki. And know in the center of my being that it helped him with his suffering as he passed. And although I was filled with so much saddness at the time, Reiki helped the two of us to let go. Peacefully.

I cannot thank you enough for stopping by and sharing your experinces with Reiki, Katherine. You've added so much to this post!

I bought William Rand's 'Healing Touch' book years before I ever became really involved with Reiki. When I first got it, I must have scanned thru a few pages, but then tucked it away in my bookcase. Isn't it so interesting... how Reiki waits. I didn't know anyone involved with it back then but something about it just intrigued me. So it waited until I was ready and then a series of events just led me to it again. At the time of my taking the First degree class, back in '09, I was dealing with the discomfort of a neck/back issue. I took the Second degree class a few months later, and as you know, I've recently received my Master certificate and hope to teach one day. As for my neck... the herniated discs and arthritis probably will not improve, but like you said, sometimes physical issues will not go away but we learn to live with them through Reiki. It's definitely a journey, and for me, as many others it's also a spiritual path. I have used it on myself, for friends/family, and am currently a volunteer with a group that 'sends' healing energy to those who request it for themselves or others and that has been a very nice experience.

And I also think that connecting with you was meant for me too since you have a deep connection to Reiki and other things we share in common. Quite nice to know others who are into similar things, yes?!

Thank you for sharing some of your experiences on an awesome subject! Can't wait to read more. Have a wonderful week, dear one. xo

Yes, my friend! You are sooooooooooo right. Reiki waits for the exact right moment...and then reveals itself!

I've read several books from William Rand too, isn't he GREAT?

"I've recently received my Master certificate and hope to teach one day."

Yes I know........yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay! I'm so glad you followed your heart and went to Master Level. It was meant to be!

"It's definitely a journey, and for me, as many others it's also a spiritual path."

Me too.

"And I also think that connecting with you was meant for me too since you have a deep connection to Reiki and other things we share in common. Quite nice to know others who are into similar things, yes?!'

YES!!!!!!! I could tell from the very first time you ever left a comment on this blog, that we were kindred spirits!

((((((((( M )))))))))))))

Thank you for stopping by. And thank you for bringing your wonderful energy to Vent.

I fully believe in the concept of a universal energy which can be accessed and directed.

My own experience with it was through a guy who found that he was a 'natural' healer, and went from being an insurance salesman to having his own practice, which, by reason of his lack of training in any formal discipline like Reiki, relied solely on donations. I took my first, very beloved, greyhound to him when he was not doing very well on many levels.

Jim was a very, very anxious dog. He'd been badly treated before we got him - I know a lot of people say that who have adopted animals from shelters with no history, but you only had to look at the scars and broken teeth and the bit missing from his tongue, not to mention the untreated mange (together with the chronic anxiety), to know the truth of that. He trusted few people, and few new situations, and yet when I walked him into that guy's place he went willingly over a slippery floor (something he did NOT do normally) and during his treatment he lay down and went to sleep. In a strange person's house!! I was stunned.

Jim could certainly feel something going on and enjoyed it, and when the guy held his hand over mine, I could feel it too - which seemed to surprise him. Apparently not everyone can, but it was like ... I'd describe it as being like trying to hold two opposite poles of a magnet near to each other, but without the strong repulsion that you get with magnets. Do you know what I mean? Kind of like a stickiness in the air and a warmth that was not warm.

"I fully believe in the concept of a universal energy which can be accessed and directed."

*nodding my head*

Yup....I had a feel you were familiar with the concept of universal energy. Most people who are 'animal lovers' are.

What an AMAZING story you shared about your beloved dog, Jim, and his energy healing session. WOW! It actually brought tears to my eyes. Animals seem to respond to energy work without any reservation at all. Them seem to sense that it's good for them and will totally surrender to it. I used Reiki on both my cats throughout their lives, and also when they passed away at home. It was a great confort to both them and myself.

"I could feel it too - which seemed to surprise him. Apparently not everyone can, but it was like ... I'd describe it as being like trying to hold two opposite poles of a magnet near to each other, but without the strong repulsion that you get with magnets. Do you know what I mean? "

Yes, absolutely...I know what you mean. You described the sensation perfectly!

It's sounds to me like you have a natural gift for energy work too. I truly believe (like the guy who worked on Jim) are just born with it!

Thank you soooooooooooo much for stopping by and sharing your experience on this post, Jay! It's so appreciated!

Being a Libra yourself, I KNOW you would really connect to this. I'm sure they have practitioners in your area. If you're interested, check out the bulletin board at Whole Foods. They usually have business cards of practitioners on it.